Nearly half of U.S. citizens take at least one prescription medication. Many rely on prescriptions for chronic conditions like high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, anxiety, and pain. Full-time RVers face unique challenges in managing their medications while traveling.
Handling Prescription Medications
All prescription drugs are controlled substances, and misuse—even unintentionally—can lead to legal trouble. This includes:
- Not following dosage instructions.
- Driving while on medications that warn against it.
- Sharing with others or transferring pills to different containers, such as pill organizers.
- Transporting medications between states.
- Using medications past their expiration date.
RVers should always keep prescriptions in their original containers, as these bottles contain important information like the medication name, dosage, and restrictions, which can help both law enforcement and medical personnel.
How Full-Time RVers Can Get Their Medications
To get prescriptions while traveling, start by consulting with your doctor. Many now offer Telehealth appointments, which are convenient for travelers. If you're still seeing your doctor in person and are frequently traveling across the U.S., consider changing your domicile (legal residency) to a more centrally located state, like South Dakota, to make it easier to return for appointments.
If you remain in your current state of residence, discuss your travel plans with your doctor. They may be able to prescribe bulk medications (90-day supplies) or set up additional prescriptions to be filled later. Be aware that this might not be possible for certain controlled substances, like Schedule 2 drugs.
Schedule 2 Drugs
These drugs are more tightly controlled and typically limited to 30-day supplies. Doctors can’t call or fax these prescriptions to pharmacies, and they often can't provide future-dated prescriptions. If you need Schedule 2 drugs, you might need to visit clinics during your travels or return to your home state regularly to get refills.
National Pharmacies and Mail-Order Services
If your prescriptions aren’t Schedule 2 drugs, national pharmacy chains like CVS, Walmart, or Walgreens can refill them at any location. You can also use a mail-order pharmacy, with prescriptions sent to your domicile address and forwarded to your current location by a mail forwarding service.
International Travel Considerations
If you're traveling abroad, refilling prescriptions can be trickier. Many U.S. pharmacies won’t fill international prescriptions, and each state and country has its own rules about medication. Plan ahead with your doctor and pharmacy, especially if you're a Canadian snowbird spending time in the U.S.
Medical ID and Emergencies
In the event of an emergency, prescription bottles are crucial for first responders to understand your medical needs. A weekly pill organizer won’t be as helpful. To further protect yourself, fill out the Medical ID information on your smartphone. Emergency personnel can access this information even if your phone is locked, helping them find details about your medications, allergies, and other medical conditions.
- iPhone users: Go to Settings > Health > Medical ID.
- Android users: Download a Medical ID app to make this information available without unlocking your phone.
Final Thoughts
Managing medications on the road requires planning, but it’s doable. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, and insurance provider before your travels to ensure you have the necessary medications. With preparation, your RV lifestyle can help you feel healthier and may even reduce the need for some medications.